The Harris County Commissioners Court met Thursday at 1001 Preston Street to address key priorities including flood control, equitable broadband expansion, and a countywide mental health investment plan. Led by Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, the court approved dozens of infrastructure, technology, and community development projects that will impact all precincts, with multiple actions specifically benefitting Precinct 4.

What’s New for Precinct 4 Residents

Infrastructure, Drainage, and Planning

• Seamist Drive: Commissioners approved a $957,588 agreement with Binkley & Barfield to reconstruct Seamist Drive between W. 11th Street and Kury Lane, with a focus on walkability and stormwater improvements.

• Energy Corridor Connectivity: Entech Civil Engineers was awarded $783,751.75 to study sidewalk and multimodal transportation gaps in the Energy Corridor area.

• Emergency Response: The Court authorized development of a disaster Emergency Response Plan tailored for Precinct 4, covering risks such as flooding, wildfires, and hurricanes.

Mobility, Development, and Public Spaces

• Katy Service Center: $336,116 was approved for engineering design of planned improvements at the Katy Service Center.

• Subdivision Growth: Thirteen new development plats were approved in Precinct 4, including Anniston Groves, Wildrye Sections 1–3, and Stokesbury Sec 3.

• Park Donations: Scout-led projects added raptor boxes, benches, and owl houses to John Paul Landing, Bear Creek Park, and others.

Youth Programs and Events

• Charter buses will be provided for field trips to Liberty Fest, Boys State in Austin, and summer STEAM camps, along with shuttles to the Viet Cultural Festival and WREDI externship tours.

• The Bayland Park Master Plan was officially adopted for long-term development.

Sustainability and Electric Vehicles

A $250,800 grant from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) will fund one electric bus and nine electric vehicles for Precinct 4 operations.

Safety Measures

The Court approved "No Overnight Parking" petitions from King Crossing and Kingsville Park, limiting commercial vehicle parking in these neighborhoods.

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Countywide Decisions Impacting All Harris County Residents

1. Flood Control Equity and Transparency

Commissioners passed a motion to fully fund all Quartile 1 projects under the 2018 Flood Bond using the county's 2022 equity framework. The Flood Control District must return by September 18, 2025, with:

• A project schedule

• A public dashboard updated every 6 months showing percent completion, ranking, and funding status of each project.

2. Broadband Expansion Roadmap

Universal Services and U.S. Ignite presented the Harris County Broadband Roadmap, revealing that:

• 171,000 households lack broadband entirely

• 220,000 rely only on smartphones

The roadmap recommends:

• Forming a Broadband Task Force

• Mapping all fiber assets

• Expanding the Digital Navigator workforce

• Partnering with ISPs to increase coverage and affordability

This plan is especially critical ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will test regional internet bandwidth during hurricane season.

3. Mental Health and Jail Diversion

The County approved $8.8 million across multiple programs:

• $3.37 million to The Harris Center for jail diversion services

• $1.18 million for mental health community outreach

• $4.23 million for ongoing behavioral health grants through 2026.

4. Public Health Surveillance

To track emerging infectious diseases, Harris County Public Health entered into:

• A data-sharing agreement with Seabrook’s Pine Gully Wastewater Treatment Plant

• A new partnership with UTHealth’s Residency Program for environmental health training.

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5. Budget Shortfall and Justice System Reform

County officials warned of a $300 million budget gap, largely due to law enforcement raises. Judge Hidalgo called for budget cuts of up to 10% and more disciplined procurement processes, especially in flood and engineering contracts.

6. Affordable Housing and Development

The Court adopted:

• The 2025 HUD Action Plan

• Amendments to 2020, 2021, and 2024 plans to shift funds toward affordable housing

• A motion to explore Public Facility Corporations to increase housing stock.

7. Technology and Cybersecurity Investments

Commissioners approved:

• A $684,000 agreement with Microsoft to modernize the county’s justice system data

• Expanded cloud services and EV fleet tracking systems.

How to Participate and Stay Informed

Residents can:

• Stream meetings or view archives at agenda.harriscountytx.gov

• Submit written or live public comments at upcoming Commissioners Court meetings

• Contact their precinct office with questions about local infrastructure or service changes

  • Address: 1001 Preston, Suite 950, Houston, Texas 77002
  • Phone: 832-927-4444
  • Email: service@hcp4.net 

For more hyperlocal coverage on flood protection, mobility projects, and public safety in Harris County, stay connected with My Neighborhood News.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.